Image projection lighting devices with visible and infrared imaging

ABSTRACT

A lighting system comprised of a central controller, a digital communications path, and a plurality of image projection lighting devices (IPLDs) is provided. The IPLDs contain cameras that can capture both visible light and infrared light. Address signals sent from the central controller first address a particular IPLD and then command signals sent from the central controller control an infrared blocking filter to be positioned in and out of a camera optical path of the particular addressed IPLD.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application is a continuation of and claims the priority of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 10/290,660, filed on Nov. 8, 2002, titled“IMAGE PROJECTION LIGHTING DEVICES WITH VISIBLE AND INFRARED IMAGING”,inventor and applicant Richard S. Belliveau.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to lighting systems that are digitallycontrolled and to the light fixtures used therein, and more particularlyto such lighting systems as well as to multiparameter lights that havean image projection lighting parameter and a camera and that are usefulin such lighting systems.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Lighting systems are formed typically by interconnecting many lightfixtures by a communications system and providing for operator controlfrom a central controller. Such lighting systems may containmultiparameter light fixtures, which illustratively are light fixtureshaving two or more individually remotely adjustable parameters such asbeam size, color, shape, angle, and other light characteristics.Multiparameter light fixtures are widely used in the lighting industrybecause they facilitate significant reductions in overall lightingsystem size and permit dynamic changes to the final lighting effect.Applications and events in which multiparameter light fixtures are usedto great advantage include showrooms, television lighting, stagelighting, architectural lighting, live concerts, and theme parks.Illustrative multi-parameter light devices are described in the productbrochure entitled “The High End Systems Product Line 2001” and areavailable from High End Systems, Inc. of Austin, Tex.

Prior to the advent of relatively small commercial digital computers,remote control of light fixtures from a central controller was done witheither a high voltage or low voltage current; see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No.3,706,914, issued Dec. 19, 1972 to Van Buren, and U.S. Pat. No.3,898,643, issued Aug. 5, 1975 to Ettlinger, which are incorporated byreference herein. With the widespread use of computers, digital serialcommunications over wire was widely adopted as a way to achieve remotecontrol; see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 4,095,139, issued Jun. 13, 1978 toSymonds et al., and U.S. Pat. No. 4,697,227, issued Sep. 29, 1987 toCallahan, incorporated by reference herein. In 1986, the United StatesInstitute of Theatre Technology (“USITT”) developed a digitalcommunications system protocol for multi-parameter light fixtures knownas DMX512. Basically, the DMX512 protocol is comprised of a stream ofdata which is communicated one-way from the control device to the lightfixture using an Electronics Industry Association (“EIA”) standard formultipoint communications know as RS-485.

A variety of different types of multiparameter light fixtures areavailable. One type of advanced multiparameter light fixture which isreferred to herein as an image projection lighting device (“IPLD”) usesa light valve to project images onto a stage or other projectionsurface. A light valve, which is also known as an image gate, is adevice for example such as a digital micro-mirror (“DMD”) or a liquidcrystal display (“LCD”) that forms the image that is projected. U.S.Pat. No. 6,057,958, issued May 2, 2000 to Hunt, incorporated herein byreference, discloses a pixel based gobo record control format forstoring gobo images in the memory of a light fixture. The gobo imagescan be recalled and modified from commands sent by a control console. Apixel based gobo image is a gobo (or a projection pattern) created by alight valve like a video projection of sorts. U.S. Pat. No. 5,829,868,issued Nov. 3, 1998 to Hutton, incorporated by reference herein,discloses storing video frames as cues locally in a lamp, and supplyingthem as directed to the image gate to produce animated and real-timeimaging. A single frame can also be manipulated through processing toproduce multiple variations. Alternatively, a video communication linkcan be employed to supply continuous video from a remote source.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,828,485, issued Oct. 27, 1998 to Hewlett, incorporatedherein by reference, discloses the use of a camera with a digital micromirror equipped light fixture for the purpose of following the shape ofthe performer and illuminating the performer using a shape thatadaptively follows the performer's image. A camera capturing the image(such as a digital camera, which captures an image at least in part bystoring digital data in computer memory, the digital data which definingor describing the image) preferably is located at the lamp illuminatingthe scene in order to avoid parallax. The image can be manuallyinvestigated at each lamp or downloaded to some central processor forthis purpose.

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/090,926, titled “METHOD, APPARATUSAND SYSTEM FOR IMAGE PROJECTION LIGHTING”, inventor Richard S.Belliveau, publication no. 20020093296, filed on Mar. 4, 2002,incorporated by reference herein, describes prior art IPLDs with camerasand communication systems that allow camera content, such as in the formof digital data, to be transferred between prior art IPLDs.

IPLDs of the prior art use light from the main projection lamp that issent though a light valve and focused by an output lens to projectimages on a stage. The light cast upon the stage by the IPLD is thenimaged by the camera. U.S. Pat. No. 6,219,093 to Perry titled “Methodand device for creating the facsimile of an image”, incorporated hereinby reference describes a camera that may be an infrared camera for usewith a described lighting device that uses liquid crystal light valvesto project an image. “Accordingly the camera and light are mountedtogether for articulation about x, y, and z axes as is illustrated inFIG. 1” (Perry, U.S. Pat. No. 6,219,093, col. 4, line 59).

The prior art patent to Perry, U.S. Pat. No. 6,219,093 makes use of acamera to distinguish objects in the camera's field from other objects.The distinguished object as imaged by the camera is then illuminated bythe projected light passing through the light valves so as to onlyilluminate the distinguished object. The objects may be provided with aninfrared emitter or reflector which interacts with a receiver or camera.Perry relies on the light produced from the projection lamp and thelight valves to provide the illumination to the scene where the cameraimages or separate emitters or reflectors are provided with the objectson the stage. The Perry prior art patent describes its invention as acamera/light unit.

For IPLDs having a main projection lamp, a camera, and a light valve itwould be desirable to superimpose an optical path of the camera with anoptical path of the main projection lamp so that the two paths arecoaxial. In this manner the images that are created by the mainprojection lamp and the light valve, that are projected onto theprojection surface, and that are captured by the camera on theprojection surface will be directly centered. There are several problemsassociated with superimposing the camera and the main projection lampoptical paths. One method involves using beam splitters as known in theoptics art for superimposing two optical paths however beam splittersare known to produce a compromise where neither optical path willoperate at its best efficiency. For example a 50% beam splitter could beused to provide 50% transmission of the light from the main projectionlamp optical system towards the projection surface while allowingreturning light from the projection surface to be reduced by 50% as itis captured by the camera. Various percentages can be managed such as70% transmission of light from the main projection lamp optical systemand 30% returning light to be captured by the camera as known in theoptics art. The use of beam splitters for superimposing the cameraoptical path and the main projection lamp optical path requiresunacceptable compromises.

Another method as known in the optics art is the pick off some of thelight reflected from a projection surface towards the center of a mainfocusing lens. A small mirror can be located at the center of the mainprojection lens where light reflected from the projection surface can bedirected at an angle towards the camera optical path by the small mirrorwhile light projecting from the lens towards the projection surface isminimized only by the blockage of the small mirror. Depending on thesize of the mirror used to pick off some of the light, the mainprojection lens is partially blocked resulting again in loss ofefficiency of the main projection lamp optical system.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment of the present invention a lighting system orapparatus which includes improved IPLDs is provided. The light systemcomprises a central controller, a digital communications path, and aplurality of improved image projection lighting devices (IPLDs) inaccordance with the present invention. The IPLDs contain cameras as acomponent that can capture both visible light images and infrared lightimages. Being able to capture such images, means that the camera issensitive to light images in the visible and the infrared range. Addresssignals sent from the central controller first address a particular IPLDand then command signals sent from the central controller control aninfrared blocking filter to be positioned in and out of a camera opticalpath of the particular addressed IPLD. The infrared blocking filter whenpositioned in the camera optical path blocks infrared light or infraredimages from being captured by the camera while only allowing visiblelight images to be captured by the camera. With the infrared blockingfilter positioned out of the camera optical path the camera may receiveboth infrared light and visible light and can capture images in lowerlight conditions. An infrared blocking filter used to cut thesensitivity of the camera to infrared may be called an IR (infrared) cutfilter.

A further embodiment of the present invention is a lighting systemcomprising a central controller, a digital communications path, and aplurality of improved image projection lighting devices (IPLDs) inaccordance with the present invention. The IPLDs contain cameras as acomponent that can image both visible light and infrared light. Addresssignals sent from the central controller of the further embodiment firstaddress a particular IPLD and then command signals sent from the centralcontroller control a visible blocking filter to be positioned in or outof the camera optical path of the particular addressed IPLD. The visibleblocking filter when positioned in the camera optical path blocksvisible energy from being imaged by the camera while only allowinginfrared light to be imaged by the camera sensor. With the visibleblocking filter positioned out of the camera optical system the camerasensor is sensitive to visible light and infrared light. A visibleblocking filter used to cut the sensitivity of the camera to visiblelight can be called VIS cut filter.

Yet another embodiment of the present invention is a lighting systemcomprising a central controller, a digital communications path, and aplurality of improved image projection lighting devices (IPLDs). TheIPLDs contain a camera as a component and an additional light source orauxiliary light source for illumination of a projection surface. Addresssignals sent from the central controller of this embodiment firstaddress a particular IPLD and then command signals sent from the centralcontroller control an auxiliary light source that is additional to thelight projected from the main projection lamp. The auxiliary lightsource may be controlled to be on or off and the width and frequency ofthe on and off times may be controlled by the command signals from thecentral controller.

The separate auxiliary light source of one or more embodiments of thepresent invention allows the ILPD camera to work with visible light asprovided by the main projection lamp and IR light as provided by theauxiliary light source.

In contrast to the prior art, an improved IPLD in accordance withembodiments of the present invention can illuminate a stage withinfrared light, capture images on the same stage with the infraredsensitive camera and project an image with visible light at the sametime. It is also possible with an IPLD of one or more embodiments of thepresent invention to switch modes for the integrated camera as commandedby a central controller between the ability to image infrared light,visible light, or both.

The IPLD of one or more embodiments of the present invention may housetwo separate lamps or light sources. The first lamp or first lightsource (main projection lamp) is a light source used for directing lightor a first light to a light valve used for the projection of visiblelight images upon a stage or another projection surface. The mainprojection light source may be a single lamp or a plurality of lampsused to direct light to the light valve or light valves. An imageparameter is the parameter that controls the light valve or lightvalves. The image parameter is typically one of a plurality ofparameters of the IPLD that are remotely controlled by a centralcontroller. Using remote control of the image parameter from the centralcontroller an operator may control the light valve to vary the imagesprojected on the stage or projection surface by the IPLD. The lightvalve or valves can also be used to vary an intensity (brightness)parameter by controlling the amount of light available to be projectedon the stage or projection surface. The second light source or auxiliarylight source is typically an infrared (IR) illumination source forprojecting infrared light or a second light on the stage so that thecamera also contained by the IPLD can receive the images on the stage asilluminated by the infrared light source. In the preferred embodiment ofthe present invention, the second light source (referred to as theauxiliary light source) is comprised of a plurality of infrared lightemitting diodes (IR LEDs). The auxiliary light source may also be anincandescent lamp, xenon lamp, mercury lamp, or a plurality of whitelight LEDs that can be filtered appropriately to only allow IR light tobe transmitted. The auxiliary light source may be a single lamp or aplurality of lamps. The advantage of the IR LEDs is that they areinstantly switched on and do not waste energy by producing otherwavelengths of light that are not required.

IPLDs used in an entertainment lighting system can produce many colorfulimages upon the stage or projection surface. The term “image” is ageneral term that refers to a wide variety of image types which can beprojected onto and typically can be seen on a projection surface,including continuous video images such as movies, graphic effects, andnews programs, and still images such as pictures and clip art. One ormore IPLDs on the same communications system may be supplied with one ormore different channels of image content while at the same time beingable to respond to commands, thereby giving the operator of the lightingsystem enormous creative control with regard to the image contentprojected by the various IPLDs in the system. The term “content” is ageneral term that refers to various types of creative works, includingimage-type works and audio works.

The images become part of the show and enhance the visual experience tothe spectator. The present invention in one or more embodiments combinesIPLDS previously known in the prior art with a camera that is integratedinto an improved IPLD. The improved IPLD can capture the images ofperformers or the audience in near total darkness during a show with theintegral camera. While the audience may not see the performer while theperformer is singing a ballad in the darkness, images of the performeras received by the improved IPLDs of the present invention can beprojected above or to the side of the performer. This creates an unusualand visually pleasing effect for the audience of the show. As the effectof viewing the performer in darkness by projecting IR images of theperformer is used during the show, at some point it would be creative togradually light the performer during the same ballad bringing theaudiences attention back to the performer.

Another use or IR imaging systems and IR illumination systems for IPLDsis the use of imaging certain audience members.

In the prior art, mulitparameter lights commonly scanned an audiencewith the projected visible light. The audience saw the light that wasprojected upon them.

With the improved IPLDs of the invention an invisible beam of IR lighttransmitted by an IPLD can be used to scan an audience or target anaudience member. The audience member being unaware that invisibleinfrared light is cast upon them. The IPLD of one or more embodiments ofthe present invention projects the IR light from the contained auxiliarylight source and captures images with the integral IR sensitive camerawhat the IR auxiliary light source is illuminating. The improved IPLDmay not be projecting visible light from the main projection lamp or theimproved IPLD may be also projecting visible light from the mainprojection lamp.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows an apparatus in accordance with a first embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 2 shows a front view of an image projection lighting device for usewith the embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing components within a base housing andwithin a lamp housing of an image projection lighting device for usewith the embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4A shows a filter assembly in a first state, for use in embodimentsof the present invention;

FIG. 4B shows the filter assembly of the FIG. 4A in a second state;

FIG. 5A shows two image projection lighting devices similar to the imageprojection lighting devices in FIG. 1 along with a projection surface;

FIG. 5B shows a side view of an image projection lighting device andseveral external devices;

FIG. 6 shows a projection surface at a first distance from an imageprojection lighting device in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 7 shows the projection surface of FIG. 6 at a second distance fromthe image projection lighting device of FIG. 6, wherein the seconddistance is further than the first distance of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 shows a projection surface at a third distance from an imageprojection lighting device in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent invention and also shows a camera tilted at an angle; and

FIG. 9 shows a projection surface at a fourth distance from the imageprojection lighting device of FIG. 8, wherein the fourth distance isfurther than the third distance, and also shows a camera tilted at anangle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows an apparatus 10 comprised of a central controller 150, acommunications interface 138, an IPLD (image projection lighting device)102, an IPLD 104, and an IPLD 106. The IPLDs 102, 104, and 106 areelectrically connected by communications lines 142, 144, and 146,respectively, to the communication interface 138. The communicationsinterface 138 is electrically connected to the central controller 150 bycommunications line 136. The central controller 150 may be a dedicatedcontrol console or a personal computer system.

Three IPLDs, 102, 104, and 106 are shown for simplification, althoughmany more IPLDs such as for example thirty IPLDS each one like any oneof 102, 104, and 106 could be used in a lighting system or apparatus,such as apparatus 10. The communication interface 138 may be a router orhub as known in the communications art.

FIG. 2 shows a front view of the IPLD 102 of an embodiment of thepresent invention. The IPLD 102 includes a base or electronics housing210, a yoke 220, and a lamp housing 230. The IPLDs 104 and 106 of FIG. 1may each be identical to the IPLD 102 of FIG. 2.

The base housing 210 of the IPLD 102 includes a connection point 212 forelectrically connecting a communications line, such as communicationsline 142 shown in FIG. 1. The yoke 220 is physically connected to thehousing 210 by a bearing 225 which allows the yoke 220 to pan or rotatein relation to the electronics housing 210. The lamp housing 230 isrotatably connected to the yoke 220. The lamp housing 230 typicallycontains optical components. An exit aperture 240 is shown forprojecting light from a main projection lamp inside the lamp housing230. An aperture 248 is shown for allowing a camera 364 shown in FIG. 3,within the lamp housing 230 to receive and capture images. An aperture244 is shown which allows light from an auxiliary light source, such asauxiliary light source 372 of FIG. 3, within the lamp housing 230, to beemitted out from the lamp housing 230.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing components within or part of the basehousing 210 and within or part of the lamp housing 230 of the IPLD 102.FIG. 3 also shows the central controller 150.

The components within or part of the base housing 210 include acommunication port (shown as “comm port”) 311, image control 312, memory315, microprocessor 316, video control 317, auxiliary lamp control 374,motor control 318, lamp power supply control 319, motor power supply 320and lamp power supply 321.

The components within or part of the lamp housing 230 include a filterassembly 342, a mirror 344, a main projection lamp or main projectionlight source 345, a light valve 346, a condensing lens 347, a filterassembly 349, a focusing lens 351, a filter assembly 366, a filterassembly 368, an aperture 370, an aperture 371, auxiliary lamp orauxiliary light source 372, a filter assembly 376, and a filter assembly378.

The central controller 150 outputs address and control commands over acommunications system which may include communications interface 138 ofFIG. 1. The communications interface 138 is connected to thecommunication port 311 by communications line 142 as shown in FIG. 3.The image control 312 of the electronics housing 210 provides controlsignals to the light valve 346 in the lamp housing 230. Themicroprocessor 316 in the electronics housing 210 provides controlsignals to the image control 312. The microprocessor 316 is shownelectrically connected to the memory 315. The memory 315 stores thecomputer software operating system for the IPLD 102 and possiblydifferent types of content used to form images at the light valve 346 ofthe lamp housing 230. The light valve shown as 346 is a transmissivetype light valve where light from the projection lamp is directed to thelight valve to be transmitted through the light valve to the lens. Asknown in the prior art a light valve can be a reflective light valvewhere light from the main projection lamp is directed to the light valveto be reflected from the light valve to the lens.

The motor control 318 is electrically connected to motors, theelectrical connection to the motors is not shown for simplification. Themotors may be stepping motors, servomotors, solenoids or any other typeof actuators. The motor control 318 provides the driving signals to themotors used with filter assemblies 342, 349, 366, 368, 376, and 378.Filter assemblies 342 and 349 may be rotatable aperture wheels as knownin the art. The aperture wheels, if used for filter assemblies 342 and349, may be used to vary color or pattern parameters.

Filter assemblies 366, 368, 376, and 378 are described in FIG. 4A andFIG. 4B. The motor control 318 is electrically connected to receivecontrol signals from the microprocessor 316. Two power supplies areshown in FIG. 3. A motor power supply 320 is shown for supplying energyto the motors and a lamp power supply 321 is shown for supplying powerto the main projection light source or lamp 345. A lamp power supplyinterface 319 is electrically connected to the microprocessor 316 toreceive control signals from the microprocessor 316 and signals are sentfrom the lamp power supply interface 319 to the lamp power supply 321for controlling the main projection light source or lamp 345.

The IPLD 102 may include at least two different housings, such as thebase or electronics housing 210 and the lamp housing 230 to facilitateremote positioning of the lamp housing 210 in relation to the base 230.The lamp housing 230 contains the optical components used to projectlight images upon a stage or projection surface 399 from focusing lens351 in the direction of arrow 380, outwards from the IPLD 102. The lamphousing 230 may be connected to a bearing mechanism 225 that facilitatespan and tilting of the lamp housing 230 in relation to the base orelectronics housing 210. The bearing mechanism 225 is shown simplified.The motors that would be used for pan and tilt are not shown forsimplification.

The microprocessor 316 within the electronics housing 210 shown in FIG.3, sends control signals to the auxiliary lamp or light source controlinterface 374. The auxiliary lamp control interface 374 is used tocontrol the auxiliary lamp (or light source) 372. The window aperture370 of the lamp housing 230 is shown in FIG. 3, for allowing input lightfor the reception of images traveling in the direction of arrow 382 fromthe projection surface 399 to the camera 364. The camera 364 may be atype of camera known in the art such as a device that receives lightimages with a contained camera sensor and converts the light images intoelectronic image data or signals. The camera 364, may be of a type, asknown in the art, which may be constructed of only a camera sensor orthe camera 364 may contain other optical components in the camera sensoroptical path along with suitable control electronics. Another windowaperture 371 in the lamp housing 230 is shown for allowing the exitinglight traveling in the direction of the arrow 384 towards the projectionsurface 399 from the auxiliary lamp or light source 372. The mainprojection lamp 345 has its light energy collected by the collectingmirror 344 and a condensing lens 347. The collected light from the mainprojection lamp 345 passes through the condensing lens 347 and throughthe infrared cut off filter or hot mirror assembly 378. Next the lightpasses though filter assemblies 342 and 349. The light then passesthrough the light valve 346 and then through the filter assembly 376.The filter assembly 376 contains a filter that passes infrared butblocks visible light. Finally the light passes through the focusing lens351 and travels the direction of the arrow 380.

The video control interface 317 of the electronics housing 210 sendsimage data or signals as received from the camera 364 to themicroprocessor 316. The microprocessor 316 may send this image data orsignals to the communications port 311 for transmission back to thecentral controller 150 or to other IPLDs on the communications system orapparatus 10, such as IPLDs 104 and 106 connected to communicationinterface 138 in FIG. 1. The communications port 311 may be a part ofthe processor 316, the communications port 311 can be any device capableof receiving the communication sent over the communication system. Thecamera 364 is sensitive to infrared light, to visible light, or both.The other IPLDs on the network or apparatus 10, such as IPLD 104 andIPLD 106, may use the image data received from the IPLD 102 byprojecting the images that were captured by the camera 364 and thusoriginated at IPLD 102. The general capturing of images and sendingimage data to other lighting devices Is described in detail in pendingpatent application Ser. No. 10/090,926, to Richard S. Belliveau, theapplicant herein, publication no. 20020093296, filed on Mar. 4, 2002,titled “Method, apparatus and system for image projection lighting”,which is incorporated by reference herein.

FIG. 4A shows a filter assembly 400 in a first state. The filterassembly 400 can be similar to the one or more of the filter assemblies366, 368, 376 or 378 of FIG. 3. The filter assembly 400 is comprised ofa motor or other actuator 410, a shaft 415, and a flag 420. The flag 420includes a filter aperture 424 a. An optical path that the filterassembly 400 is positioned across is shown as optical path 430. Theoptical path may be a camera optical path, such as the optical path ofthe camera 364 of FIG. 3, or a main projection light source opticalpath, such as the optical path of the main projection light source 345in FIG. 3.

The motor or other actuator 410 has a shaft 415 attached by any suitablemeans to a flag 420 that contains the filter aperture 424 a. In FIG. 4Athe filter 424 a is positioned in the optical path 430.

FIG. 4B shows the filter assembly 400 in a second state. In FIG. 4B thefilter 424 a is positioned differently by the motor or actuator 410 inrelation to the optical path 430 compared to the position of filter 424a in FIG. 4A. In the case of FIG. 4B the filter 424 a is positioned tobe located out of the optical path 430.

FIG. 5A shows IPLDs 500 and 501 from a side view. Each of the IPLDs 500and 501. may be identical to the IPLD 102 shown in FIG. 1. The IPLDs 500and 501 may include base housings 510 and 515, yokes 520 and 525, andlamp housings 530 and 535, respectively.

The base housing 510 for IPLD 500 is rotatably connected to the yoke520. The base housing 515 for IPLD 501 is rotatably connected to theyoke 525. The lamp housing 530 is rotatably connected to the yoke 520.The lamp housing 535 is rotatably connected to the yoke 525.

In FIG. 5A, a modulated IR (Infrared) light control signal 540 is shownbeing emitted from IPLD 500 and light control signal 540 is directedtowards a stage or projection surface 548. A reflection of the modulatedIR light control signal 540 from the stage 548 is shown as Infraredlight signal 545 and is captured by the camera (not shown) contained atIPLD 501

IPLDs 500 and 501 both have an integral camera (which may be identicalto camera 364), a main projection light source (which may be identicalto main projection light source 345) and an auxiliary light source(which may be identical to auxiliary light source 372). A modulated IRlight control signal 540 which is projected from the auxiliary lightsource in IPLD 500, which may be similar to or identical to auxiliarylight source 372 of the IPLD 102, is shown projected from the lamphousing 530 of IPLD 500. The light signal 540 is shown being directedtowards the stage or projection surface 548 and the reflection of thelight signal 545 is captured, by the integral camera (not shown)contained at the lamp housing 535 of 501. The modulated IR light signal540 from 500 can be designed to act as a communication signal that maysend control messages or identifying information to receiving IPLDs suchas IPLD 501. The art of modulating IR signals to provide communicationsis known in the art of consumer remote controls. Instead of the integralcamera (similar to device 364 of FIG. 3) of the IPLD 501 capturing theimage of the reflected signal off of the stage 548, the signal 540 fromIPLD 500 could be pointed directly at the integral camera of IPLD 501.

With the lighting system or apparatus 10 in use, the operator of thecentral controller 150 first addresses the particular IPLD, such as IPLD102, that the operator of the central controller 150 would like tocommand. Next the operator may command the particular IPLD, such as 102,to switch on the auxiliary light source 372 shown in FIG. 3. As shown inFIG. 3, a central controller 150 has a communications system comprisedof communication line 136, communications interface 138, andcommunications line 142, connected to an IPLD 102 for sending addressand command signals. The address signals are received by thecommunications port 311 of the IPLD 102 and sent to the microprocessor316. The microprocessor 316 compares the address sent by the centralcontroller 150 to the operating address of the IPLD 102. The operatingaddress of the IPLD 102 may be set by an installation technician byvarying a set of switches (not shown) located on the IPLD 102 itself orthe unique operating address may be fixed in the memory 315. As is donefor prior art IPLDs, if the address sent by the central controller 150matches the operating address of the IPLD 102 then the IPLD 102 is readyto operate on command signals next sent by the central controller 150.

If the command received by the IPLD 102 is to a “switch on the auxiliarylight source”, i.e. auxiliary light source 372, the microprocessor 316next sends the appropriate control signals to the auxiliary lamp controlinterface 374. The auxiliary lamp control interface 374 upon receipt oflamp on control signals from the microprocessor 316 next applies theappropriate power to the auxiliary light source 372 shown in FIG. 3. Theoriginating power to the auxiliary light source 372 may be derived fromthe motor power supply 320, as IR LEDs (light emitting diodes), if used,do not require substantial amounts of power relative to the mainprojection lamp 345. As many as one hundred IR (infrared) LEDS (lightemitting diodes) may be used to comprise the auxiliary light source 372.Usually the greater the amount of IR LEDS used to comprise the auxiliarylight source 372 the greater the amount of IR energy emitted by theauxiliary light source. The auxiliary light source 372 may receive itspower from a separate power supply (not shown). In any case theauxiliary lamp control interface 374, shown in FIG. 3, switches power tothe auxiliary light source 372 when appropriate command signals arereceived from the microprocessor 316 providing an auxiliary lamp controlparameter.

The lamp control parameter that comprises the auxiliary light source 372may provide for the switching on or off of the auxiliary light source372 or the auxiliary light source 372 may be modulated such as withpulse width modulation or a modulation that could provide a recognizableIR (infrared) light output signal to a remote IR receiver. Themodulation of the auxiliary light source 372 could be used to projectcontrol instructions from the IPLD, such as IPLD 102. IPLDs maycommunicate special commands between each other using the modulatedauxiliary light source or a particular IPLD, such as IPLD 102, may beable to recognize the IR “signature” of another IPLD, such as IPLD 104,that is projecting in a location that is imaged by the particular IPLD.

FIG. 5B shows a side view of IPLD 102 and several other devices to bedescribed. The auxiliary light source 372, shown in FIG. 3, within thelamp housing 230 emits a modulated IR (Infrared) light signal 585towards an external IR light receiving device 588. The externalreceiving device 588 is connected to control external devices such asthe fireworks device 590 and the confetti cannon device 592.

The modulated IR light control signal emitted from the auxiliary lightsource of the lamp housing, such as lamp housing 230 of IPLD 102, couldbe used to trigger external receiving devices located at a distance fromthe emitting IPLD such as other theatrical effects that have been fittedwith the appropriated IR light receivers connected to receive themodulated IR light signal from the auxiliary light source, such asauxiliary light source 372 in FIG. 3. The creation of modulated IR lightsignals by switching an IR light source is well known in the art ofconsumer remote control devices. Such remote control devices vary themodulation time and duration of infrared light pulses to create aninfrared light control signal.

The auxiliary light source 372 in FIG. 3 within the lamp housing 230emits a modulated IR light signal 585 towards an external IR receivingdevice 588. The external receiving device 588 has a sensor that receivesthe modulated IR signal from the auxiliary light source 372 of IPLD 102.The external receiver 588 processes the modulated IR control signals andcontrols devices that are connected to the external receiver 588. Forexample, the fireworks device 590 and a confetti cannon device 592 areshown connected to the receiver 588. The devices 590 and 592 can beremotely triggered or controlled by commands sent from the modulated IRsignal emitted from the IPLD 102. The modulated IR signal as created bythe auxiliary light source 372 shown in FIG. 3, is controlled as anauxiliary light source parameter and as such is controlled by anoperator of the central controller 150 of FIG. 3.

The invention makes use of filter assemblies, such as filter assemblies366 and 368 of FIG. 3. that are filters driven by actuators that eitherfilters out IR and transmits visible or filters out visible andtransmits IR. The control of the filter assemblies, such as filterassemblies 366 and 368, are additional control parameters for the IPLD,such as IPLD 102, that are controlled from the central controller, suchas central controller 150. In FIG. 3, two filter assemblies 366 and 368are shown in the path of the camera 364. Each of the filter assemblies366 and 368 may be identical to the filter assembly 400 shown in FIGS.4A and 4B. Filter assembly 366 may have its filter, such as filter 424 aas an infrared blocking filter (or IR cut filter).

Filter 424 a or filter aperture 424 a, can be considered to be an IR cutfilter. When the filter 424 a is in the optical path of the camera 364(between the camera and a stage or projection surface 399 in FIG. 3)infrared light is blocked to the camera 364 and the camera 364 onlyreceives visible light. The blocking of infrared light insures that onlyaccurate visible images from visible light are captured by the camera364. The projection surface 399 can be a performer, an audience member,a stage, or any other projection surface.

The filter assembly 366 containing the infrared blocking filter (or IRcut filter) is controlled in and out of the optical path of the camera364 by the motor or actuator such as 410 of FIG. 4A. The motor oractuator, such as 410 may be controlled by the motor control interface318 of FIG. 3. The filter assembly 368 that has its filter, such as 424a, as a visible blocking filter may be the same type of filterassemblies as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B. When the visible blocking filter(or the VIS cut filter), such as filter 424 a is positioned into theoptical path 430 of the camera 364, such as in FIG. 4A, only infraredlight can be captured by the camera 364 and visible light is blocked.This allows the camera 364 to only capture IR light from the stage orother areas in the show while not allowing the camera 364 to capturevisible light. The result is the camera 364 produces only IR images thatare different than the visible images as seen by the audience as theaudience sees only images created by visible light. This is also usefulin providing new and pleasing special effects.

The filter assemblies 366 and 368 are operated to place their filters,such as 424 a in and out of the path, such as path 430, of the camera,such as camera 364 by signals from the motor control interface 318 ofFIG. 3. Wiring connections from the motor control interface 318 to thefilter assemblies 366 and 368 are not shown for simplification. Tooperate the filter assemblies 366 and 368, first the operator of thecentral controller 150 selects an IPLD from a plurality of IPLDs, suchas 102, 104, and 106 in FIG. 1, that the operator would like to control.The particular IPLD that the operator wants to control is sent theappropriate address over the communication system or apparatus 10 (suchas from central controller 150 via communications line 136 andcommunications interface 138 and communications line 142 to IPLD 102),and received at the communications port 311 of FIG. 3. The addresssignal received by the communications port 311 is sent to themicroprocessor 316. The microprocessor 316 compares the address sent bythe central controller 150 to the operating address of the IPLD, such asIPLD 102. If the address matches the operating address of the particularIPLD from the plurality of IPLDs then the particular IPLD is ready toreceive a command signal as desired by the operator of the centralcontroller 150. The command signal sent over the communications systemover lines 136, 142 and communications interface 138, to the particularIPLD (for example 102 of FIG. 3) can be a command to place the IRfilter, such as filter 424 a, in the optical path 430 of the camera 364,which effectively blocks IR from reaching the camera 364.

This command of course is received by the particular IPLD communicationsport such as 311 of FIG. 3 and the command is processed by themicroprocessor, such as 316 and appropriate control signals are sent tothe motor control interface 318. The motor control interface 318 sends acontrol signal to the actuators of the filter assemblies, in this case366 of FIG. 3. The signal causes the filter assembly 366 to place the IRcut filter in the optical path 430 of the camera 364. The VIS cutfilter, or visible light cut filter, which may be a filter identical tofilter 424 a, with the exception that visible light is filtered insteadof infrared light, in the filter assembly 368 of FIG. 3 operates fromthe central controller 150 in the same way after receiving specificcommands for the operation of the visible light cut filter.

Improvements in camera sensors have improved low light and infraredimaging sensitivity. One type of camera sensor that has made thispossible is the EXview HAD CCD (trademarked) developed by Sony(trademarked) Corporation of Tokyo, Japan. EXview HAD CCD (trademarked)sensor technology has made it possible to use as video information thecharge of near infrared light that previously was not possible withconventional CCD technology. Camera devices using EXview HAD CCD(trademarked) technology can achieve 0.7 lux sensitivity in the visiblelight region and sensitivity greater than 0.02 lux in the IR lightregion wherein lux (symbolized lx) is the unit of illuminance orluminance in the International System of Units. The lower the value oflux the better the camera can image in low light situations). One suchcamera useful to the integration of IPLDs and cameras is the Sony(trademarked) FCBEX480A. This camera can be configured to receivecontrol information from a video control interface such as video controlinterface 317 shown in FIG. 3. This particular camera has an IR cutfilter assembly similar to the filter assembly 400 as shown in FIGS. 4Aand 4B b included in its optical path that can be controlled with thevideo control interface 317. Video control interface 317 can receivecommand signals from the microprocessor 316 to operate the functions ofthe camera 364 and the integral IR cut filter. The functions of thecamera as controlled by the video control interface 317 are commanded bythe central controller 150 over a communication system or apparatus 10as previously described above.

The auxiliary light source 372 of FIG. 3 may be omitted if required. Inthis case it is possible to use the IR generated by the main projectionlight source or lamp 345. It is known in the art to filter any undesiredinfrared light out from a main projection light source, such as frommain projection light source 345. To do this a cold mirror as known inthe art may be used as a reflecting mirror 344 as shown in FIG. 3. Thecold mirror (such as mirror 344) only reflects visible light while IRlight passes through the cold mirror 344. The undesired IR light fromthe main projection lamp 345 therefore is greatly reduced and does notpass as light shown by arrow 380. The projection optical system locatedin the housing 102 of FIG. 3 is comprised of the reflecting mirror 344,the main projection lamp 345, the condensing lens 347, the filterassemblies 378, 342, 349, and 376, the light valve 346 and the focusinglens 351. This reduces heat to sensitive components.

Also it is known in the prior art to use a hot mirror, not shown. Themirror 344 is the mirror used to capture and reflect light. We call itthe reflecting mirror (as in the above paragraph). A hot mirror is adifferent component (as known in the art) it is a flat filter glass thatallows visible light to pass while reflecting IR. It is commonly (asknown in the art) used after a lamp to reflect IR light but pass visiblelight. A hot mirror which is a device known in the art and is not showncan be placed in the projection optical system such as perpendicular tothe optical system path, such as path 430, (the projection optical pathfrom the main lamp is in the direction of arrow 380 of FIG. 3), so thatIR (infrared) light is reflected back toward the main projection lightsource or lamp 345 and visible light passes freely through. Filterassembly 378 in FIG. 3 may contain a hot mirror that reflects IR yetallows visible light to pass. The filter assembly may be designedsimilar to that shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B.

When the IR filter, such as filter 424 a in FIG. 4A, of the filterassembly 378 is in the projection light path, such as path 430, visiblelight passes freely through but IR is blocked or reflected. This allowscomponents that are sensitive to heat to be used and preventsoverheating damage to those components as known in the art. Undercertain conditions the filter assembly could remove the hot mirrorfilter of filter assembly 378 from the projection optical path, such aspath 430 and allow the IR and visible light to pass freely in thedirection of arrow 380. When the hot mirror of filter assembly 378 isremoved allowing IR and visible light to pass freely, filter assembly376 may place a VIS (visible light) blocking filter in the projectionlight path, such as path 430. In this way visible and IR from the mainprojection lamp 345 is allowed to pass through the filter assembly 378but the visible light is blocked by the VIS cut filter 376. Only the IRis allowed to pass through the lens 351 in the direction of arrow 380.The filter assemblies 378 and 376 would be operated by command signalssent over the communication system from the central controller similarto that explained for filter assemblies 366 and 368. In this way theauxiliary light source, such as auxiliary light source 372, is notrequired. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention anauxiliary light source 372, is used. This avoids designing the opticalsystem for the main projection lamp 345 to avoid overheating when IRpasses through the system.

In some cases enough IR may pass through the hot mirror filter of filterassembly 378 even when the filter is in the main projection lamp opticalpath that still allows sufficient IR energy that can be used forillumination of the audience or the stage in a show. In this case onlythe VIS cut filter assembly 376 may be required as it is still anadvantage to block visible light while projecting only IR. With the VISfilter in place and sufficient IR energy emitted from the mainprojection lamp 345, images created by the light valve 346 and projectedby the output lens 351 in the direction of arrow 380 on to a projectionsurface, would only be seen or imaged by an IR camera. This couldprovide pleasing effects to an audience where text, graphic images orother images are created by the light valve 346 of FIG. 3 and thevisible light is filtered out by the VIS (“VIS” stands for visiblelight) cut filter 376 and only the residual IR light and the associatedimage created by the light valve 346 is passed through the focusing lens351 in the direction of arrow 380 toward the stage or other projectionsurface 399. The integrated camera 364 of FIG. 3 can image the IR imagescreated by the light valve 346 and send these images to the videocontrol interface 317. The images can next be sent to the processor 316for processing and out to the communications port 311. IPLDs, such as102, 104, and 106, may send camera images between each other asexplained in the applicant's pending patent application Ser. No.10/090,926 titled “Method, apparatus and system for image projectionlighting” filed Mar. 4, 2002, incorporated by reference herein. Thevisualization of graphical text or other images by an audience that areprojected by the light valve 346 appear only in IR. The integratedcamera 364 or a separate remote camera may be used to visualize theimages projected in IR only by the IPLD, such as IPLD 102.

Cameras that are capable of capturing images of infrared light orimaging infrared produce a black and white image or monochrome imagewhen imaging infrared. The black and white image produced by the cameracontains different intensity levels of black to white based upon theamount of infrared imaged captured by the camera. The monochrome imageis similar to that of a black and white television. The IPLD 102 of FIG.3 can colorize the black and white infrared image as produced by thecamera 364. This is done by sending the infrared camera image capturedby the camera 364 to the video control interface 317 The video controlinterface 317 or the processor 316 or a separate video control systemcan have features for manipulation of the incoming video image.Colorization of the infrared image can occur with the video controlinterface 317 first receiving the black and white images from the camera364. An operator of the central controller, such as central controller150, first addresses the particular IPLD to be controlled such as 102 ofFIG. 3. Next the operator may command the filter assembly 366 containingthe IR cut filter, such as filter 400 shown in FIG. 4A, to remove the IRcut filter, such as 400, out of the camera optical path, such as path430, as already explained above. With the IR cut filter out of theoptical path 430, the camera 364, is most sensitive to IR. Next theoperator may enable the IR auxiliary light source 372 to be on asexplained in detail above. The IR images received and captured by thecamera 364 might be for example a performer located on a stage. The IRimages from the camera 364 are sent to the video control interface 317.The operator may send a command from the central controller 150 tocolorize the IR images that are being captured by the camera 364. Inthis case the communication port 311 receives the command signals tocolorize the image. The command signals are forwarded to themicroprocessor 316 where they are processed and control signals are sentto the video control interface 317. The video control interface 317 iscapable of receiving the IR image signals as sent by the camera 364 andassociating levels of red, green and blue (additive colors) to thevarying levels of intensities of the black and white IR camera signalfrom the camera 364. For example, the dark areas of the IR monochromeimage that is associated with low IR level intensities might beassociated with the blue color to represent a colder part of the image.The brightest part (highest intensity) of the IR monochrome image mightbe associated with a red color as the brightest part of the IRmonochrome image is the warmest. In this way the black and white ormonochrome image can be colorized and provide a pleasing effect to theaudience. The colorized IR images can be projected by the IPLD itself,such as IPLD 102, or sent to other IPLDs, such as IPLD 104 or 106 forprojection.

It is also possible to modify the camera images as received by the videocontrol interface 317 in other ways. For example, the camera images maybe modified in other ways by the electronics of the IPLD 102, such asthe video control interface 317. The images from or camera 364 of FIG.3, can be modified and then may be projected by the projection opticalsystem as formed by the light valve 346 from lens 351 in the directionof arrow 380. The images captured by the camera 364 may be modified withvideo distortions, magnifications, rotation and other modificationswhich provide a pleasing visual effect. The modified camera images canbe projected from the projection optical system of the IPLD 102containing the camera 364 or the modified images or data reflecting themodified images can be sent to the communications port 311 fortransmission to other IPLDs, such as IPLD 104, 106, or 108, as describedabove.

The camera 364 of the apparatus or IPLD 102 has an optical path that isnot superimposed with an optical path of the main projection lamp 345.This insures the highest level of efficiency as the two optical pathsare separate and are not subject to the compromises. This is contrary tothe prior art. The two optical paths as shown by arrows 380 and 382 ofFIG. 3, are parallel.

With the optical path 382 of the camera 364 and the optical path 380 ofthe main lamp projection lamp 345 not superimposed but parallel, asshown by the arrows of 380 and 382, the images captured by the camera364 are not truly centered with the projected images projected on theoptical path 380 of the main projection lamp 345. The images are notcentered by the distance the camera is mounted away from the projectionlens 351 in the IPLD 102.

One object of the invention is to remotely adjust the position of thecamera 364 in the IPLD 102 so that the camera's optical path 382 can besubstantially aligned with the main projection lamp optical path 380 onthe projection surface 399. The positioning of the camera 364 can becontrolled by commands from the central controller 150.

Another object of the invention is to adjust the position of the camera364 in the IPLD 102 so that the camera's optical path 382 can be alignedwith the main projection lamp optical path 380 on the projection surface399 automatically. Using the distance the focusing lens 351 of the IPLD102 needs to travel to obtain a focus on the projection surface 399 at aparticular distance the IPLD processor 316 automatically changes thepositioning of the integrated camera 364 to align the camera opticalpath 382 and the main projection lamp optical path 380 on the projectionsurface 399.

It is another object of the invention to adjust the position of thecamera 364 in the IPLD 102 so that the camera's optical path 382 can beadjusted in relation to the main projection lamp's optical path 380 onthe projection surface 399.

The main projection lamp optical path 380 outside of the IPLD 102 can bereferred to as the projection field. The camera optical path 382 outsideor the IPLD 102 can be referred to as the camera field.

FIG. 6 shows a projection surface 610 at a distance of approximately D1Sfrom an image projection lighting device (IPLD) 102 a. Dotted lines 690a and 692 a show the camera field outside of the lamp housing 230 a. Thecamera field, shown by 690 a and 692 a, is established by a cameraoptical path 382 a of the camera 364. Dotted lines 694 a and 696 a showthe projection field outside of the lamp housing 230 a. The projectionfield is established by a main projection lamp optical path 380 a. Thelamp housing 230 a is similar to the lamp housing 230 of FIG. 3 exceptthat some of the optical components are omitted for simplification and afocus motor drive system for the focusing lens 351 is additionallyshown. A bearing 225 is shown, which may be identical to the bearing 225of FIG. 2 and 225 of FIG. 3. An electronics housing 210 is shown whichmay be identical to the electronics housing 210 of FIG. 3. Acommunications cable 142 is shown that may be identical to thecommunications cable 142 of FIG. 1 and FIG. 3. A focus motor 666 isshown with a lead screw shaft 664 threaded into a power nut bracket 662.The power nut bracket 662 is attached to the focusing lens 351 a. Thelens 351 may be identical to the lens 351 of FIG. 3.

A distance D1F is the distance from the focusing lens to the motor 666.The camera 364 may be identical to the camera 364 of FIG. 3 and is shownwith window 370 that may be identical to the window 370 of FIG. 3.

FIG. 7 shows a projection surface 610 at a distance of approximately D2Sfrom IPLD 102 a. Dotted lines 690 b and 692 b show the camera fieldoutside of the lamp housing 230 a. The camera field is established bythe camera optical path 382 b. Dotted lines 694 b and 696 b show theprojection field outside of the lamp housing 230 a. The projection fieldis established by the main projection lamp optical path 380 b. The lamphousing 230 a may be similar to or identical to the lamp housing 230 ofFIG. 3 except that some of the optical components are omitted forsimplification and a focus motor drive system for the focusing lens 351is additionally shown. A bearing 225 is shown that may be identical tothe bearing 225 of FIG. 2 and 225 of FIG. 3. An electronics housing 210is shown which may be identical to the electronics housing 210 of FIG.3. A communications cable 142 is shown which may be identical to thecommunications cable 142 of FIG. 1 and FIG. 3. A focus motor 666 isshown with a lead screw shaft 664 threaded into a power nut bracket 662.The power nut bracket 662 is attached to the focusing lens 351. The lens351 may be identical to the lens 351 of FIG. 3. A distance D2F is thedistance from the focusing lens 351 to the motor 666. A camera 364 maybe identical to the camera 364 of FIG. 3 and is shown with a window 370that may be identical to the window 370 of FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 shows a lamp housing 230 a similar to the lamp housing 230 ofFIG. 3. Lamp housing 230 a of FIG. 6 has been simplified by not showingall of the components shown in the lamp housing 230 of FIG. 3. Thefocusing lens 351 of FIG. 6 is shown and is similar to the focusing lens351 of FIG. 3. Additionally a means for remotely adjusting the focus ofthe focusing lens 351 a is shown. Different means for mechanizing thefocusing lens 351 for remote control of focus is known in the art. Themeans shown in FIG. 6 shows the focusing lens 351 attached to a powernut 662 that is in turn linearly driven by lead screw shaft 664 that isattached by any suitable means to the motor 666. The motor 666 is fixedto the lamp housing 230 a by any suitable means. As the lead screw 664is rotated the power nut 662 with the focusing lens 351 moves towards oraway from the motor 666. The movement of the lens 351 by the motor leadscrew drive allows remote control of the focus of the lens 351 as knownin the art. The motor 666 is driven by control signals from the motorcontrol interface 318 of FIG. 3. The motor control interface 318 of FIG.3 receives control signals from the processor 316. The communicationsport 311 of FIG. 3 receives commands over the communication system andthe communications port 311 passes these control commands to theprocessor 316 for remote control of the focus lens 351. The remotecontrol of a focus lens in a multiparameter light by a centralcontroller is known in the art.

Motor 666 of FIG. 6 may be a stepping motor or a servo motor or anyactuator that can be incrementally controlled by the processor 316 ofFIG. 3. The incremental control of the motor 666 by known values allowsthe operator of the central controller 150 to precisely position thefocusing lens 351 with numerical values as known in the art. For exampleif the focusing lens 351 of FIG. 6 needs to move 2 mm from the motor 666to obtain the proper focus of the image on the projection surface 610 avalue of “2” may be selected from the central controller 150. The focusvalue change commands sent from the central controller 150 as receivedby the image projection lighting device 102 control the focusing lens351 distance D1F of FIG. 6 and D2F of FIG. 7.

FIG. 6 illustrates the projection field as established by the mainprojection light source optical path formed by dotted lines 696 a and694 a on the projection surface 610 and are not centered with the camerafield as established by the camera optical path as illustrated by dottedlines 690 a and 692 a. FIG. 7 illustrates a projection surface 610 thatis at a distance greater from the IPLD 102 a shown as D2S than thedistance D1S of FIG. 6. The focusing lens distance D2F of FIG. 7 isgreater than the focusing distance D1F of FIG. 6 because the distanceD2S to the projection surface 610 is greater than the distance D1S tothe projection surface 610. The lens 351 has been moved a greaterdistance from the motor 666 from FIG. 6 to FIG. 7 by known incrementalmovements of the motor lead screw shaft 664. These incremental movementsof the focusing lens 351 of IPLD 102 a are controlled by the centralcontroller 150 as known in the art. The distance from the projectionsurface 610 of FIG. 6 shown as D1S and the distance of the lens 351 tothe motor 666 shown as D1F to achieve the desired focus of the images onthe projection surface 610 as created by the light valve 346 (shown inFIG. 3) has a known and repeatable relationship. The distance of thefocusing lens 351 to the motor 666 is used by way of example since themotor 666 is fixed to the lamp housing 230 a and could be similar to adistance of the focusing lens 351 to the light valve 346 which is alsofixed to the lamp housing 230 a not shown in FIGS. 6-9, forsimplification. In any case the to achieve a focus of the images createdby the light valve 346 of the IPLD 102 or 102 a on a projection surface,such as 610, at a particular distance, the focusing lens 351 must move aknown amount to achieve focus at that particular distance.

FIG. 7 shows that the projection surface 610 is at a distance, D2S, fromthe IPLD 102 a, which is greater than the distance D1S of FIG. 6. As thedistance from the projection surface 610 to the IPLD 102 a increases thecamera field (as illustrated by dotted lines 690 b and 692 b) and theprojection field (as illustrated by 694 b and 696 b) appear to be inbetter alignment (nearly superimposed) closer to the projection surfaceas shown in FIG. 7. Depending on how close the camera 364 of FIG. 7 ismounted to the focusing lens 351 in the IPLD 102 a and how far theprojection surface 610 is from the IPLD 102 a, the lack of alignment ofthe camera field and the projection field may or may not be acceptableto the viewer or operator or the lighting system such as system 10 ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 8 shows a projection surface 610 at a distance illustrated as D1Sfrom IPLD 102 b. The projection surface 610 may be identical to theprojection surface 610 of FIG. 6. The distance illustrated as D1S may beidentical to the distance D1S of FIG. 6. Dotted lines 690 c and 692 cshow the camera field outside of the lamp housing 230 a. The camerafield is established by the camera optical path 382 c. Dotted lines 694c and 696 c show the projection field outside of the lamp housing 230 a.The projection field is established by the main projection lamp opticalpath 380 c. The lamp housing 230 a is similar to the lamp housing 230 ofFIG. 3 except that some of the optical components are omitted forsimplification and a focus motor drive system for the focusing lens 351is additionally shown. A bearing 225 is shown that is similar to thebearing 225 of FIG. 2 and 225 of FIG. 3. An electronics housing 210 isshown which is similar to the electronics housing 210 of FIG. 3. Acommunications cable 142 is shown that is similar to the communicationscable 142 of FIG. 1 and FIG. 3. A focus motor 666 is shown with a leadscrew shaft 664 threaded into a power nut bracket 662. The power nutbracket is attached to the focusing lens 351. The lens 351 is similar tothe lens 351 of FIG. 3. A distance D1F is approximately the distancefrom the focusing lens 351 to the motor 666 and is similar to thedistance D1F of FIG. 6. A camera 364 a is similar to the camera 364 ofFIG. 3 and is shown with a window 370 that is similar to 370 of FIG. 3.A motor 670 has a shaft 672 a attached to a cam wheel 674 a by anysuitable means. The camera 364 a is mounted to a mounting bracket 680 athat has a pin 682 applied as a pivot point. The camera 364 a is alsomounted to a cam follower bracket 684 a that follows the cam wheel 674a. A spring 678 a is attached to the cam follower bracket 684 a by anysuitable means and attached to the housing 230 a by a fastener 676. Theangle AA1 is shown to display the deviation of the camera optical pathfrom perpendicular to the window 382.

FIG. 9 shows a projection surface 610 at a distance illustrated as D2Sfrom IPLD 102 b. The projection surface 610 is similar to the projectionsurface 610 of FIG. 7. The distance illustrated as D2S is similar to thedistance D2S of FIG. 7. Dotted lines 690 d and 692 d show the camerafield outside of the lamp housing 230 a. The camera field is establishedby the camera optical path 382 d. Dotted lines 694 d and 696 d show theprojection field outside of the lamp housing 230 a. The projection fieldis established by the main projection lamp optical path 380 d. The lamphousing 230 a is similar to the lamp housing 230 of FIG. 3 except thatsome of the optical components are omitted for simplification and afocus motor drive system for the focusing lens 351 is additionallyshown. A bearing 225 is shown that is similar to the bearing 225 of FIG.2 and 225 of FIG. 3. An electronics housing 210 is shown which issimilar to the electronics housing 210 of FIG. 3. A communications cable142 is shown that is similar to the communications cable 142 of FIG. 1and FIG. 3. A focus motor 666 is shown with a lead screw shaft 664threaded into a power nut bracket 662. The power nut bracket is attachedto the focusing lens 351. The lens 351 is similar to the lens 351 ofFIG. 3. A distance D2F is the distance from the focusing lens to themotor 666 and is similar to the distance D2F of FIG. 7. A camera 364 ais similar to the camera 364 of FIG. 3 and is shown with a window 370that is similar to 370 of FIG. 3. A motor 670 has a shaft 672 a which issimilar to shaft 672 a of FIG. 8 and is attached to a cam wheel 674 awhich is similar to cam wheel 674 a of FIG. 8 by any suitable means. Thecamera 364 a of FIG. 3 which is similar to camera 364 a of FIG. 8 ismounted to a mounting bracket 680 a which is similar to bracket 680 a ofFIG. 8 a that has a pin 682 applied as a pivot point. The camera is alsomounted to a cam follower bracket 684 a which is similar to bracket 684a that follows the cam wheel 674 a which is similar to 674 a of FIG. 8.A spring 678 b is similar to spring 678 a of FIG. 8 and is attached tothe cam follower bracket 684 a which is similar to cam follower bracket684 a of FIG. 8 by any suitable means and attached to the housing 230 aby a fastener 676. The angle AA1 is shown to display the deviation ofthe camera optical path from perpendicular to the window 370.

FIG. 8 shows an IPLD 102 b at a distance D1S similar to the distance D1Sof FIG. 6. The camera 364 a is shown tilted by a tilting mechanism sothat the camera field (shown by dashed lines 692 c and 690 c) and theprojection field (shows by dashed lines 694 c and 696 c) better appearto align or superimpose to the viewer or operator on the projectionsurface 610. The camera 364 a has a mounting bracket 680 a that has apin 682 applied as a pivot point. An additional bracket 684 a is used asa cam follower and is moved by the cam wheel 674 a. The cam wheel 674 ais driven by a motor 670 and is connected to the motors shaft 672 a inany suitable fashion. A return spring 678 a is attached to the camfollower bracket 684 a at one end in any suitable fashion and to thelamp housing 230 a with a fastener 676.

The motor 670 is connected by wiring not shown to the motor controlinterface such as motor control interface 318 of FIG. 3. Command signalsare sent from a central controller, such as central controller 150 ofFIG. 1 via the communication system which may include 136, 138, and 142of FIG. 1. The communication port 311 of FIG. 3 receives controlcommands over the communication system to incrementally rotate the motorshaft 672 a as commanded by the central controller 150. Thecommunication port 311 forwards these commands to the microprocessor316. The processor 316 after receiving a command to incrementally movethe motor shaft 672 a a particular location value, forwards the correctcontrol signals to the motor control interface 318. The motor controlinterface 318 provides the driving signals to the motor 670 of FIG. 8over wires not shown. The driving signals move the motor shaft 672 a aprecise increment and in turn the cam wheel 674 a is rotated thatparticular increment. The rotation of the cam wheel 674 a on the camfollower bracket 684 a changes the angle of the camera 364 a opticalpath from perpendicular to the window 370 similar to FIG. 7, to theangle AA1. The camera angle change results in a change of the cameraoptical path 382 c position or angle in relation to the main projectionlamp optical path 380 c.

FIG. 9 shows a projection surface 610 that is at a distance shown as D2Sfrom lamp housing 230 a. For the camera field and the projection fieldto closely align themselves on the projection surface the camera angleAA2 is slightly reduced from the angle AA1 shown if FIG. 8. The motor670 has been signaled to move its shaft 672 a and in turn cam wheel 674a has been rotated from the position held as 674 a of FIG. 8. The returnspring 678 a that is attached to the lamp housing 230 a by fastener 676keeps the cam follower bracket 684 a tight against the cam wheel 674 b.

FIG. 9 shows that the camera field as illustrated by dotted lines 690 dand 692 d and the projection field as illustrated by the dotted lines694 d and 696 d. The camera field and the projection field have beenaligned on the projection surface by the change of angle AA2 from thatof the required angle AA1 of FIG. 8. When the IPLD lamp housing 230 a isrotated in relation to the electronics housing 225 by commands from thecentral controller as known in the art, the desired projection surfacein the direction of the projection field and camera field may be at agreater or lesser distance such as D1S or FIG. 8 and D2S or FIG. 9. Whenthe projection surface distance is changed it is desirable to adjust thefocus of the focusing lens to obtain a focused image. With the inventionwhen a new projection surface distance requires focusing of the focusinglens of a particular IPLD it is possible for the operator of the centralcontroller to also change the position of the camera to best align thecamera field and the projection field on the projection surface.

In FIG. 9 the distance to the projection surface from the lamp housing230 a of IPLD 102 illustrated as D2S has been increased from thedistance D1S of FIG. 8. The operator will naturally want adjust thefocus of the lens 351 in FIG. 9 to bring the projected image into focus.Because D2S of FIG. 9 is greater than the previous distance D1S of FIG.8 an adjustment of the camera position angle AA2 is best to align thecamera field to the projection field. The operator sends the appropriatecommand signals over the communication system as previously described tobe received by the communications port 311 or FIG. 3. The communicationport 311 receives the commands and sends the commands to the processor316 where they are processed and the appropriate control signals aresent to the motor control interface 318. The motor control interface 318of FIG. 3 incrementally moves the motor shaft 672 b of the motor 670 ofFIG. 9 so that the cam wheel 674 a by way of rotational pressure on thecam follower bracket 684 a changes the camera 364 a angle illustrated asAA2. The operator by using command signals from the central controllerwill adjust the angle of the camera field to best suit the projectionfield depending of the distance from the projection surface. Also thecamera field of IPLD 102 may be adjusted by the operator of the centralcontrol system to highly deviate away from the projection field of IPLD102 so that the camera field is located on a completely differentsurface in relation to the projection field. The deviation of the camerafield purposely away from the projection field may be controlled by theoperator of the central controller so that the camera may receive imagesfrom a projection surface that are not located in the projection field.

For any change in distance such as distance D1S and D2S or FIGS. 8 and 9respectively, the focusing lens 351 needs to be have its distance frommotor 666 adjusted in order to achieve the best focus at a particulardistance such as D2S. As known in the art, there is a relationshipbetween the distance a particular lens, such as 351, needs to move fromthe image created by the light valve, such as light valve 346, to thedistance to the projection surface, such as projection surface 610, toachieve the best focus. A lookup table can be created in the memory 215of FIG. 3 in IPLD 102. This lookup table can be a document in memorywhich specifies the number or increments that the motor 666 has to turnthe lead screw shaft 662 in order to achieve focus at a particulardistance. For example, the lookup table may have in its contents, or ina document in memory, that six incremental moves of the motor lead screwshaft 664 result in a distance of D2F and a good focus at distance D1Sof FIG. 8. The lookup table can also contain the knowledge that atdistance D1S of FIG. 8 the camera 364 a requires the position or angleAA1 which may be three increments of the motor shaft 672 a that rotatesthe cam wheel 674 a to change the camera angle AA1 as previouslyexplained.

The lookup table may contain the range or useful projection distancesfrom the IPLD 102 a for example if the focusing lens 351 of FIG. 9 ismoved by moving the lead screw 664 twelve increments to a value of D2Fthis achieves a good focus at distance D2S. The lookup table can alsocontain the knowledge that at distance D2S of FIG. 9 the camera 364 arequires the position AA2 which is six increments of the motor shaft 672b that rotates the cam wheel 674 b to change the camera angle AA2. Thiscan be done for the full range of useable projection distances to theprojection surface, such as 610, to be focused upon. A lookup table canbe included in memory, such as memory 315 of FIG. 3. The lookup tablemay have documentation of the relationship between the distance ofmovement of the focusing lens 351 and the change of position of thecamera 364 or 364 a. The processor, such as processor 316 of FIG. 3 canautomatically update the position of the camera angle such as angle AA2of FIG. 9 as the lens 351 is focused to obtain a best image on variousprojection surfaces at the various distances from the IPLD 102 a.

An operator of the central control system 150 sends a command to changethe focus of a particular IPLD such as IPLD 102 a of FIG. 9. Theappropriate command is received by the communications port 311 of FIG.3. The command is then sent to the processor 316. The processor 316sends the control signals to the motor control interface 318. The motorcontrol interface 318 sends the appropriate number of increments to movethe focus motor lead screw shaft 662 of IPLD 102 a as commandedoriginally from the operator of the central controller 150. Accessingthe memory 315, the processor 316 looks up in the lookup up table thenumber of increments sent to the focusing lens motor lead screw shaft664 that achieved a distance of D2F of FIG. 9 and then finds therequired number of increments required to move the motor shaft 672 b toachieve the angle or position AA2 that in turn provides an alignment ofthe camera field and the projection field on the projection surface 610at a distance of D2S of FIG. 9. In this way the operator need only tocommand changes to the IPLD 102 a for adjusting the focusing lens 351for a particular projection distance and the camera position isautomatically adjusted for best alignment on the projection surface 610.

Instead of a lookup table that has a finite number of incrementsrequired for the adjustment of the camera position in relation to thefocus lens position as described above, it is preferred that a ratio beestablished between the focus lens 351 distance of travel and therequired position of the camera 364 or 364 a to achieve the alignment ofthe camera field and the projection field on the focused projectionsurface, such as 610. For example four millimeters (mm) of focus lenstravel equates to two degrees of camera angle change to obtain the bestalignment of the camera field and the projection field. In this examplea two to one ratio is established and the processor of IPLD 102 asdescribed needs only update the camera 364 or 364 a position anglechange by this ratio. Using a ratio to calculate the angle the camera364 a changes in relation to the movement of the focusing lens 351. Anycamera angle can be calculated for any focus lens movement and in turnobtain best alignment of the camera field and the projection field atthe projection surface, such as 610. It is only necessary as known inthe art to store the ratio in memory 315 of FIG. 3 and have theprocessor 316 use the ratio stored in the memory 315 to apply theappropriate change of camera position when the focus lens 351 isadjusted to achieve the best alignment on the projection surface 610 ofthe camera field and the projection field.

Although the invention has been described by reference to particularillustrative embodiments thereof, many changes and modifications of theinvention may become apparent to those skilled in the art withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is thereforeintended to include within this patent all such changes andmodifications as may reasonably and properly be included within thescope of the present invention's contribution to the art.

1. A multiparameter stage lighting apparatus comprising: a camera; ayoke; a base; a light source; and a communications port for receivingcommand signals; wherein the camera and the light source can be remotelypositioned in relation to the yoke; wherein the yoke can be remotelypositioned in relation to the base; wherein predominantly infrared lightfrom the light source is projected from the multiparameter stagelighting apparatus onto a surface and the camera can capture an infraredimage of the surface; wherein substantially no visible light isprojected onto the surface by the multiparameter stage lightingapparatus; wherein the communications port can receive command signalsin accordance with DMX protocol to vary a function of the multiparameterstage lighting apparatus.
 2. The multiparameter stage lighting apparatusof claim 1 further comprising a lamp housing; wherein the camera and thelight source are at least partially contained within the lamp housing;and wherein the lamp housing, the camera and the light source can beremotely positioned in relation to the yoke.
 3. The multiparameter stagelighting apparatus of claim 1 wherein the camera can also capturevisible light images.
 4. The multiparameter stage lighting apparatus ofclaim 3 wherein a command in accordance with the DMX protocol receivedover the communications port can vary a function of the camera and thefunction causes the camera to only capture visible light images.
 5. Themultiparameter stage lighting apparatus of claim 1 wherein the camerahas an optical path; and further comprising an infrared cut filterlocated in the optical path.
 6. The multiparameter stage lightingapparatus of claim 5 wherein the infrared cut filter can be placed inand out of the optical path by a command received by the communicationsport.
 7. The multiparameter stage lighting apparatus of claim 1 whereinthe command signals are sent by an operator of a central controller. 8.The multiparameter stage lighting apparatus of claim 1 wherein the lightsource can be controlled to be on or off by a command received over thecommunications port.
 9. The multiparameter stage lighting apparatus ofclaim 1 wherein the light source is comprised of a light emitting diode.10. The multiparameter stage lighting apparatus of claim 9 wherein thelight emitting diode is an infrared light emitting diode.
 11. Themultiparameter stage lighting apparatus of claim 1 wherein the lightsource is comprised of a plurality of infrared light emitting diodes.12. The multiparameter stage lighting apparatus of claim 2 wherein thelamp housing has a first aperture and the camera can capture imagesthrough the first aperture.
 13. The multiparameter stage lightingapparatus of claim 2 wherein the lamp housing has a second aperture andthe infrared light is projected through the second aperture.
 14. Themultiparameter stage lighting apparatus of claim 1 wherein the surfaceis a performer.
 15. The multiparameter stage lighting apparatus of claim1 wherein the surface is an audience.
 16. The multiparameter stagelighting apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a power supply; andwherein the power supply supplies power to remotely position the camerain relation to the yoke.
 17. The multiparameter stage lighting apparatusof claim 16 wherein the power supply supplies power to illuminate thelight source.
 18. The multiparameter stage lighting apparatus of claim16 wherein the power supply is located within the base.
 19. Themultiparameter stage lighting apparatus of claim 1 further comprising amicroprocessor; and wherein the microprocessor receives the commandsignals from the communications port.
 20. The multiparameter stagelighting apparatus of claim 19 wherein one or more of the commandsignals received by the microprocessor vary the light source to be on oroff.
 21. The multiparameter stage lighting apparatus of claim 1 furthercomprising a video control interface and the video control interface cancontrol the functions of the camera.
 22. The multiparameter stagelighting apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a video controlinterface; wherein the camera produces a camera video image; and whereinthe video control interface can manipulate the camera video image. 23.The multiparameter stage lighting apparatus of claim 22 wherein themanipulation of the camera video image by the video control interfacecauses colorization of the camera video image.
 24. The multiparameterstage lighting apparatus of claim 22 wherein manipulation of the cameravideo image by the video control interface causes a visual effect. 25.The multiparameter stage lighting apparatus of claim 24 wherein thevisual effect is video distortion.
 26. The multiparameter stage lightingapparatus of claim 24 wherein the visual effect is video rotation. 27.The multiparameter stage lighting apparatus of claim 24 wherein thevisual effect is image magnification.
 28. The multiparameter stagelighting apparatus of claim 22 wherein the manipulation of the cameravideo image by the video control interface is accomplished byassociating levels of red, green and blue of the camera video image tovarying levels of intensities of an infrared image captured by thecamera.
 29. A multiparameter stage light apparatus comprising a camera;a yoke: a base housing; a first infrared light emitting diode; acommunications port for receiving command signals; an infrared cutfilter; wherein the camera and the first light emitting diode can beremotely positioned in relation to the yoke; wherein the yoke can beremotely positioned in relation to the base; wherein the communicationsport can receive command signals in accordance with DMX protocol toplace the infrared cut filter in or our of an optical path of thecamera; and wherein the first infrared diode light emitting diode emitsinfrared light that is projected upon a surface and the camera cancapture an infrared image of the surface.
 30. The multiparameter stagelighting apparatus of claim 29 wherein the communications port canreceive command signals in accordance with DMX protocol to vary afunction of the camera.
 31. The multiparameter stage lighting apparatusof claim 29 wherein the communications port can receive command signalsin accordance with DMX protocol to vary the infrared light emittingdiode to be on or off.
 32. The multiparameter stage lighting apparatusof claim 29 further comprising a second infrared light emitting diode.33. The multiparameter stage lighting apparatus of claim 29 wherein thecamera can capture a visible image of the surface.
 34. Themultiparameter stage lighting apparatus of claim 29 wherein the infraredimage captured by the camera is an image of a performer.
 35. Themultiparameter stage lighting apparatus of claim 29 wherein the infraredimage captured by the camera is an image of the audience.
 36. Themultiparameter stage lighting apparatus of claim 35 wherein the cameracomprises an HAD CCD sensor.